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And yet the veteran centre will be out there when the Ticats take on the Stampeders Saturday night.

Given the stakes — and O'Neill's toughness — that's hardly surprising. With just three games remaining in the regular season and their playoff future very much in doubt, it's all hands on deck — particularly on an offensive line already ravaged by injuries to veteran Canadians.

“It would be three young guys in there otherwise, and they're all good players. But I want to be there, taking a leadership role,” said O'Neill, who insists his balky hamstring is feeling much better. “I'm doing everything I can to be on the field and I think I can help the team win. If it was a different situation. ...”

The defence is also hoping to get a boost from a veteran presence, though linebacker Markeith Knowlton's absence has been more pronounced — he's missed 11 games with an ankle problem. A former CFL most outstanding defensive player, Knowlton is known for making big plays at key times.

“I try not to put that pressure on myself. If there's a play to be made, I'll make it. But I'm not going to go out and do extracurricular stuff — I've got 11 other guys around me,” Knowlton said. “This isn't a one man game.”

While Knowlton may be a familiar face, his return is part of yet another overhaul for unit that has undergone seismic upheaval almost every week. Against Calgary, defensive tackle Torrey Davis is back after missing two games with injury, and newcomer Dominique Harris — signed just this week — is expected to see significant playing time as fill-in for injured linebacker Jamall Johnson.

“I keep telling our guys, if we can get stops when we need them, our offence is going to score points,” said Rey Williams, the only defensive starter to play in every game this season. “If people are underestimating us, that might be a good thing.”

The team's dire straights has even managed to mute what has been the central narrative this week: the return of Henry Burris to Calgary. The 37-year-old spent nine of his 13 seasons with the Stampeders, and this will be his first game in McMahon Stadium since being traded to the Ticats in January.

“It feels weird, it feels strange; but it feels good to be back, and I'm really looking forward to this game,” said Burris, who added he hasn't given much thought to the reception he'll receive from fans. “There's nothing for me to prove. We had a great run, but time brings change.”

Burris' arrival in Hamilton — along with new head coach George Cortez and free agent wide receiver Andy Fantuz — had many pundits and fans touting the Ticats as Grey Cup favourites. But even Cortez acknowledges that's not the team's reputation any more.

“We have a chance to probably prove a lot of people wrong by winning in Calgary — there probably aren't a lot of people around the league who give us much of a chance to win.” said Cortez. “But I don't believe that, and I hope that our players don't either.”

One person not buying the premature demise of the Cats is Calgary coach John Hufnagel. He thinks Hamilton is a better than their 5-10 record. He, like many around the CFL, believes Hamilton can be a force if they figured it out in time.

“They are a dangerous team.”

NOTES: To make room for Davis, Knowlton and Harris on the 46-man roster, the Cats moved linebacker Brock Campbell and fullback Sam Fournier to the practice roster, and defensive lineman Jermaine McElveen to the inured list.